NonStop S-Series Hardware Installation and FastPath Guide (G06.26+)

Glossary
HP NonStop S-Series Hardware Installation and FastPath Guide—529876-001
Glossary-102
shell
Contrast with dynamic-link library (DLL). See also TNS shared run-time library (TNS
SRL) and TNS/R native shared run-time library (TNS/R native SRL).
shell. (1) In the Open System Services (OSS) environment, a program that interprets
sequences of text input as commands. A shell can operate on an input stream, or it
can interactively prompt and read commands from a terminal. (2) An envelope of code
that provides a convenient way to call a procedure in another execution environment.
See also TNS to native-mode access shell.
shell generator. A software tool that, given a procedure interface definition coded in pTAL
for a native-mode library procedure, produces a custom shell routine to provide access
from TNS object code to that native-mode procedure. See also TNS to native-mode
access shell.
shell map. An address table created by the HP NonStop™ operating system that contains
the entry point addresses of all available TNS to native-mode access shells. See also
TNS to native-mode access shell.
shielded twisted pair (STP). A transmission medium consisting of two twisted conductors
with a foil or braid shield. Contrast with unshielded twisted pair (UTP).
shutdown file. A file invoked by the local operator or by another shutdown file that contains
commands to shut down system devices, communications lines, and system and
application software. Contrast with startup file.
SID. See system image disk (SID) or source ServerNet ID (SID).
signal. The method by which an environment notifies a process of an event. Signals are
used to notify a process when an error that is not related to input or output has
occurred. See also Open System Services (OSS) signal and TNS/R native signal.
signal delivery. The time when Open System Services (OSS) takes the action appropriate
for a specific process and a specific signal.
signal generation. The time when an event occurs that causes a signal for a process.
signal handler. A function or procedure that is executed when a specific signal is delivered
to a specific process.
Signaling System Number 7 (SS7). The protocol used in public networks to establish
connections between switches.
signal mask. The set of signals that are currently blocked from delivery to a specific
process.
signal reference grid. A series of conductors, constructed of pure or composite metals (for
example, copper) with good surface conductivity. A superior signal reference grid is
installed on the subfloor of a computer room and connected to the raised-floor